Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Flooring
A non-negotiable "Asset Protection" system for high-tech industries. We engineer and certify ESD floors to protect your sensitive electronics from static-related failures.
What is ESD and Why is it a Threat?
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is a sudden flow of electricity between two objects. A person walking across a standard floor can generate over 3,000 volts of static electricity. A discharge of just 100 volts—so small a human cannot feel it—can permanently destroy sensitive microchips, circuit boards, and other electronics.
For data centers, biotech labs, and electronics manufacturing facilities in hubs like San Francisco and San Diego, an uncontrolled static discharge can mean millions in asset loss and downtime.
Our Process: An Engineered Electrical System
An ESD floor is not a simple coating. It is an engineered electrical grounding system that actively removes static from personnel and equipment. Our certified process includes:
- Substrate Preparation: We diamond-grind the concrete to create a clean, porous substrate.
- Copper Grid Installation: We install a precise grid of copper tape that is tied directly to your building's earth ground.
- Conductive Primer: We apply a conductive primer, creating a grounding plane across the entire floor.
- ESD Topcoat: We install the final ESD-rated topcoat (epoxy or vinyl) that collects static and channels it to the grounding grid.
- Testing & Certification: We test the final installation with a surface resistivity meter to certify it meets your exact technical specifications (e.g., ANSI/ESD S20.20).
We provide full documentation and certification for your compliance and insurance records.
DIY vs. Pro: The "False Sense of Security"
An improperly installed ESD floor is *worse* than no floor at all. A "hobbyist" installer who just rolls on a "conductive" paint provides a false sense of security. If the floor is not properly tied to a verified earth ground, it becomes an "isolated island" that still accumulates static, offering zero protection.
Failed Install (The "Hobbyist")
An "ESD" paint was applied without a grounding grid. It has no conductive path and provides zero protection.
Certified System (The "Pro")
A fully grounded, multi-layer system. We provide testing and certification that the floor meets your exact specs.
★★★★★
"Finding a contractor for ESD Flooring in San Francisco was tough. 4RENT was the only team that understood our specs and delivered. True professionals."
ESD Flooring FAQs
What's the difference between "Conductive" and "Static-Dissipative"?
These terms describe *how fast* the floor removes static. **Conductive** (lower resistance) removes it very quickly, ideal for manufacturing. **Static-Dissipative** (higher resistance) removes it more slowly and in a more controlled manner, often preferred for labs where personnel are working on powered equipment.
Do we need special footwear?
Yes. An ESD flooring system only works if personnel are connected to it. This requires either ESD-safe footwear (heel straps or shoes) to be worn at all times.
How do you maintain an ESD floor?
You cannot use standard janitorial wax. Wax is an insulator and will completely "turn off" your floor's conductive properties. We provide a specialized maintenance plan using only ESD-safe cleaning products.